The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has released free-to-download guidance on a raft of actions that businesses can take to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.
ICC said the menu of options for consideration “aims to help businesses of any size, in any region, develop or implement business continuity plans depending on geographic location of the business.”
The document, published March 13 in partnership with the New England Complex Systems Institute, underscores the key role businesses can play in minimizing the likelihood of transmission, stating that early, bold and effective action will reduce short-term risks to employees and long-term costs to businesses and the economy.
“Prevention is both easier and more cost-effective for an exponentially growing process,” the guidelines state.
While specific actions each business should take will depend on location, the nature of the workplace and the potential disruptiveness to operations, ICC encourages all businesses to take appropriate actions to get ahead of the outbreak.
The summary of options for businesses is broken down into four sections: general; meetings, travel and visitors; workplaces; and retail and hospitality
They include actions such as developing customized organization policies to reduce transmission, keeping logs of contacts, working remotely where possible, promoting flexible hours, avoiding clustering in elevators and cafeterias, avoiding unnecessary travel, and promoting meal delivery over going out for meals in highly affected areas.
ICC has published the guidelines in line with efforts to disseminate timely information and updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic to the global institution’s network of over 45 million businesses in over 100 countries.
Download the Coronavirus Guidelines for Business.
Photo by Belinda Fewings
